Title: Finebaum Rips Harbaugh for Sign-Stealing Allegations
Date: November 1, 2023
Author: Pete Thamel, ESPN
In a recent video call, Big Ten coaches expressed their frustration with the ongoing sign-stealing investigation involving the University of Michigan. The call, which lasted for 90 minutes, saw a majority of the coaches rallying against Michigan’s actions and urging the Big Ten conference to take immediate action.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh was notably absent for almost an hour of the call, choosing to hang up after the regularly scheduled business was completed. This allowed the other coaches to freely discuss their concerns regarding the NCAA’s investigation into Michigan.
Sources familiar with the call revealed that the coaches unanimously called for action against Michigan and expressed their impatience with the ongoing situation. “Collectively, the coaches want the Big Ten to act — right now,” stated one source. The coaches believe that there is sufficient evidence substantiating the allegations, prompting them to question why action has not been taken yet.
The NCAA has been investigating Michigan for nearly two weeks, following confirmation by the Big Ten on October 19th. ESPN has reported that Michigan staffer Connor Stalions has emerged as a central figure in the investigation. Stalions allegedly purchased tickets to the games of 12 out of 13 Big Ten opponents over the past three years.
According to ESPN, Stalions has attended more than 35 games in at least 17 stadiums over the same period. He was immediately suspended by Michigan following the report. Additionally, a former Division III coach claimed that Stalions had paid him to film games at various Big Ten schools.
During the call, coaches explained to Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, who was hired in April, how Michigan had gained a distinct and unfair advantage by obtaining the opposition’s signals ahead of time. Coaches described Michigan’s alleged sign-stealing scheme as “tainted,” “fraudulent,” and “unprecedented.” The coaches detailed how the scheme affected them and their programs, noting that both in-person scouting and using electronic equipment to steal signals are against NCAA rules.
Significantly, Michigan’s success in the past three years correlated with Stalions’ pattern of purchasing tickets to Michigan’s opponents’ games. The Wolverines recorded a remarkable 33-3 overall record and a 22-1 record in Big Ten play during that period. In the previous three years, their record stood at 21-11 overall and 16-8 in the league.
The coaches expressed their anger during the call, with one source stating that “every game they played is tainted.” They acknowledged that the NCAA’s enforcement timeline would not affect Michigan’s current season, as the Wolverines are 8-0 and placed third in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. Therefore, they called on the Big Ten conference to take action.
Commissioner Petitti listened attentively during the call but did not indicate which direction the conference might go. Coaches are curious to see if the Big Ten is genuinely interested in taking action or just hearing their grievances. Under the Sportsmanship Policy, the Big Ten has the authority to punish Michigan or its coaching staff.
However, immediate action from the conference seems unlikely, given that the NCAA case is still unfolding. The league would require a proper fact set to make a decision, which could not solely rely on media reports. Alternatively, the Big Ten could initiate its own investigation into potential violations of the conference’s sportsmanship policy. Any disciplinary actions beyond a standard level would need to be reviewed by an executive committee.
As of now, the Big Ten officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing investigation. The coaches on the call urged the conference and its presidents to demonstrate leadership and take unprecedented action against Michigan for this alleged violation of the rules.
The fallout from the sign-stealing allegations against Michigan continues, with pressure mounting on the Big Ten conference to take swift and decisive measures to address the situation.